School Board seeking citizen lobbyists, recognizes retiring staff

The Rappahannock County School Board is searching for community members interested in advocating for the school district at the state level to help the district “play the Richmond game” amid recent funding shortfalls.

The team will be a part of the School Innovation Finance Taskforce (SIFT) that is focusing on three major issues: The inequities of the local composite index (LCI), state budget review and philanthropic opportunities. 

This new team would help strategize and advocate for the funding needs of the small rural district at the state level in an effort to sway state representatives in Rappahannock’s favor. 

“I’m not sure how to play the Richmond game…but we need people who know how to play the Richmond game,” Chair Wes Mills said. “It’s just nothing seems to be getting through.”

RCPS has been fighting for an increase in state funding for years, and nearly got supplemental funding this year before it was pulled out of the proposed budget at the last minute. 

Superintendent Shannon Grimsley said the district ranks sixth in the nation in income disparity between the overall population and the population of families that the school system serves, and 40% of students in the system are considered economically disadvantaged. 

Grimsley added that she “is not a politician,” but an educator, and the district needs to find experts in the community to help them continue pursuing the funding they need.

Mills said the commitment to this volunteer group would not be strenuous, lasting around a year, and meetings could be virtual. The board encourages those interested to reach out to Grimsley, or send her names of individuals who may be a good fit. 

Stephanie Ridder, chair of the Headwaters Foundation, spoke from the audience, urging the board to approach the Board of Supervisors about hiring a lobbyist to help with advocacy in state government as well. Ridder said it is hard to keep up with changing laws and regulations, and it is important to have someone up close in Richmond.

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Chicks come to RCES

Lacey Jenkins, deputy director of programs at the Headwaters Foundation, presented a proposal to the board for a new Young Ag Learners program to add to the organization’s After-School Enrichment Program. 

Jenkins pitched the program which would give students the opportunity to learn animal husbandry, responsibility and financial literacy as they raise and sell chickens. The chicken coop would have a capacity of 14 chickens, and would be located on the elementary school campus behind a fence. 

Jenkins addressed several concerns that may arise such as safety from avian diseases and illness such as avian influenza, and sensitivity to students with allergies. 

Grimsley said she supports the program, but said the only issue is where the chicks will go during their incubation period. Jenkins offered several options, one including her own home, but said the ideal place would be a classroom or a space on school grounds where students would have hands-on experience with the chicks. 

The board agreed that a space on campus can be found that is not used by all students, and greenlighted the program for next fall.

Member Rachel Bynum voiced some concern with having the chicks in common areas, and does not want students who may have allergies to feel they cannot use the spaces. 

“You could put them in a closet,” Grove said. 

Retiree recognition

The School Board honored two teachers and one bus driver who will retire at the end of the school year, and thanked them for their decades of service. 

Chuck and Linda Way, husband and wife teaching duo, who were present at the meeting, were recognized for their combined 60 years of teaching in Rappahannock County.

“Linda and Chuck Way are literally mainstays of Rappahannock County Elementary School,” Grimsley said. “This makes me sad, but I’m very happy for them.” 

Barbara Gore was recognized for her 35 years as a bus driver. While she was unable to attend the meeting, Vice Chair Larry Grove said he calculated the amount of miles Gore must have driven over the years, and it totals nearly half a million.

Foothills Forum is an independent, community-supported nonprofit tackling the need for in-depth research and reporting on Rappahannock County issues.

The group has an agreement with Rappahannock Media, owner of the Rappahannock News, to present this series and other award-winning reporting projects. More at foothillsforum.org.